I have a couple of questions. I would appreciate any help provided.

I am simulating 3 point monotonic loading on a steel beam.

My usual analysis time is taking a lot of time, so I am utilizing mass scaling.

I understand as the target time increment increases, my analysis keeps getting faster. Now my question is

I have checked my energies, there is no significant kinetic energy through out analysis at all. My external work and internal energy are almost on top of each other.

1. Does it mean i can keep reducing my stable time increment for even faster analysis?

2. When do you know it is a good point to stop and not reduce the target time increment further?

3. Are there any additional checks or potential problems that I have to look out for?

4. If I want to incorporate fracture (crack initiation, crack propagation and element deletion) is it a good idea to keep using mass scaling?

Thanks